Species profile
Salvini Cichlid
Trichromis salvini
Aggressive
Hard care
350 L minimum aquarium
15–22 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A beautiful but genuinely aggressive Central American cichlid. Pair-bonding does not make it community-safe.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
6–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Strongly territorial and predatory toward smaller fish. Breeding aggression can escalate rapidly; partitions or separate housing may be required.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
350 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Trichromis salvini
Alternative names
Salvini Cichlid, Yellow Belly Cichlid
Native range
Atlantic-slope Central America from southern Mexico through Belize and Guatemala.
Natural habitat
Rivers and tributaries with moderate current, rock, wood and open substrate. Provide large separated territories, robust filtration and secure decor.
Diet & feeding
Predatory omnivore with a strong animal-food component. Use quality cichlid pellets plus crustaceans, insects, worms and other appropriate frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are usually smaller but can show stronger black/blue body markings and a dorsal blotch; males grow larger with more extended fins.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner, commonly using a cleaned solid surface. Pairs guard eggs and fry intensely and may become dangerously aggressive to tankmates.